While presenting the TV program News at Ten on ITV on Friday, British presenter Rageh Omaar (56) suddenly became unwell. He was taken to hospital, but is now back home.
56-year-old Rageh Omaar, former foreign correspondent at the BBC and international affairs editor at ITV News, had noticeable difficulty reading the news on Friday. According to the TV channel ITV, the journalist would have needed medical care afterwards.
“We are aware that viewers are concerned for the welfare of Rageh Omaar,” said a spokesperson for ITV News. “Rageh became unwell while presenting News at Ten on Friday and is now being treated. He thanks everyone for the get well wishes.”
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The journalist responded on Saturday afternoon in a statement distributed by the channel. “I thank everyone for the kind wishes,” he wrote. “Especially the medical staff, my colleagues and the concerned viewers. At that moment I was determined to end the program. I am grateful for the support I have received.”
After being taken to hospital, he is now recovering at home. What exactly was or is going on with him was not disclosed. “We wish him a speedy recovery,” ITV said. “And we’re looking forward to seeing him back on screen when he’s ready.”
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ITV canceled scheduled repeats on ITV+1 after the programme. Instead, a message said that ITV was “temporarily unable to provide you with our +1 service”. “We will resume it soon,” it read.
Omaar became famous when he covered the war in Iraq for the BBC in 2003. He now covers major news stories around the world for ITV News and also presents the current affairs program On Assignment.
Tags: British newsreader unwell home support
